China is to intensify mediation efforts aimed at finding a peaceful solution to the crisis in strife-torn South Sudan.

Zhong Jianhua, China's special representative for African affairs, said a quick solution is essential to end the conflict, and China is acting as a communications bridge among all parties involved.

He has just returned from an African trip, which took him to South Sudan and neighboring countries including Kenya, Sudan and Uganda, as well as the headquarters of the African Union in Ethiopia.